Six Flags

Last Friday I took "the big two" to meet friends at Six Flags for a day of mega roller-coastering. Highlights will be posted late this afternoon or tonight. The ride to the left is the Georgia Scorcher, a roller coaster in which you stand up and do inversion after inversion. It was our first ride of the day. When we got off, Ann Ferris, overwhelmed by the intensity of the Scorcher, asked me, "How do you think that compares to Goliath?" Two boys behind us answered, "Goliath is a lot taller and a lot faster." I almost called it a day. :0)

Hello Tupelo Friends

We are so glad that y'all are okay after the tornado and earthquake this week. Wow, what a combination!

To check out worldwide earthquake activity for the past 7 days, click here.

Mother's Day 2008

Today was Mother's Day. Last night I took Kristy to her favorite restaurant, Tam's Backstage, in Cumming, GA. This morning we presented her with personalized cards and a gift certificate to Parsons, accented with a dozen fresh cut roses from the backyard. Then we went to worship at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Alpharetta, where I had the privilege to preach again. Most of the afternoon was spent outside enjoying a sunny, but very breezy day.

The "group" card

The spread, with cards, gift certificate and roses

Pet Lizard

Let me introduce you to our pet lizard. Well, he is actually our former pet lizard (we let him go), but he lives around the dog pen in the back of the house (so we still see him every day). Watching this little dude change colors was really cool (green to brown and back to green again). And check out those splits. Some serious flexibility! Click on the picture for a larger image.

UPDATE: Our pet snake, Prince (not to be confused with the snake formerly known as Prince), escaped from captivity when Sarah Wynn left the lid off of his container. Thankfully, the container was outside when left open! For a direct link to a short video documentary of Schaeffer handling Prince, click here.

By the way, we are now looking for a small turtle and a salamander.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

A few random things...

• Yesterday we got our piano tuned for the first time since it was given to us eleven years ago. It sounds so good- like getting a new piano.
  
• Today Schaeffer discovered a monster wolf spider under a big rock guarding a ginormous egg sack.
  
• Tomorrow I'm taking the big two to meet some friends at Six Flags for a day of extreme thrills on some mega-coasters. Six Flags Over Georgia has ten roller coasters rated "Max" on the thrill scale. One coaster, Goliath, is over 20 stories tall and goes 70 miles per hour. Whoa! Check out the others here.
  

Birthday Party at Antiqua Tex Mex

Last week the Castons were part of a really fun surprise birthday party for Chris Melendez (in the sombrero below) at Antiqua Tex Mex and Sports Bar. The other picture below is of the whole crew, kids and all. And yes, the entire wait staff sang Happy Birthday in Espanol. :0)

Another Hat Trick

This past Saturday Schaeffer scored his second "Hat Trick" in a row (a hat trick is scoring 3 goals in one game), leading his team to a 3-1 victory. His last game of the season is this week.

Family Putt-Putt

The owners of the home we rent built a four-hole putting green in the backyard. Last night we had a family putt-putt competition. Since my putter is out of service, we got creative and used a 4-iron and a tennis ball. Kristy was the only one to get a hole-in-one. You go girl!

Our Memory Master

As I posted several days ago, Ann Ferris recently achieved recognition as a "Memory Master" at Classical Conversations. To be a Memory Master, you must memorize a ridiculous amount of material, and be examined orally for 30 minutes without missing anything-not even one question, number or even a word in definitions (or in the entire chapter of Ephesians 6 in the King James- look it up and give it a try!). Anyway, here are some of the things she memorized.

• Ephesians 6 in the KJV
  
• Reproduce the entire geography of Europe and the Middle East (countries, lakes, mountain ranges, rivers, etc.) on a blank map.
  
• All multiplication tables through the 15s
• All squares through the 15s
• All cubes through the 15s
• Math law definitions (associative, commutative, etc.)
• Science law definitions and facts (motion, thermodynamics, planets, biomes, etc.)
• Dozens of world history questions and dates from middle ages to present (for example, Charlemagne, Feudalism, the Crusades, the 100 years war, much of English history, the Reformation and reformers, the American revolution, Napoleon and the French Revolution, the Civil War, WWI and WWII, Vietnam, the Cold War, the fall of communism, etc., etc.)
• She had to know an in-depth time-line from Creation to the present. Listening to her recite this is amazing. Absolutely stunning. What is more, she had to be able to begin the time-line at any point in human history and continue from that point forward.
• She had to conjugate a Latin verb in six tenses (ex: present, perfect, pluperfect, etc.).
  
• She also had to provide a litany of exact grammar tables and definitions (examples include gerunds, appositives, demonstrative pronouns, and many, many more).

The entire Caston crew is very excited about her accomplishment and thankful to God for his enabling grace in this endeavor.

The "celebration cake" for the Memory Masters!

Back to Boston

For those (very few) of you who are following the NBA playoffs, a potential thriller awaits on Sunday (1pm EST), when the Atlanta Hawks fly back to Boston for gave 7 in a first round context that was supposed to be 3 and out. Last night's game was a lot of fun to watch, with the Hawks coming from behind to win 103-100, and fending off a last second, potentially tying basket by the talented Celtics. Commentators are saying that, if the Hawks can win, it will be the biggest upset in NBA playoff history. Of course, the "odds" are not good for an Atlanta victory (the Celtics have beaten the Hawks by an average of 22 points in Boston this season and in the playoffs). But the dream is still alive, even if tomorrow it gets buried. Regardless, I love an underdog story. And this qualifies. If you are interested, you can follow the story here.

UPDATE: The Hawks got spanked today (Sunday) in Boston. Ouch!

CC End of Year Picnic

This past Wednesday at Jones Bridge Park was "Classical Conversations" (our home-school school) end of the year party/picnic. During a special ceremony, Ann Ferris and four others were given $25 as a reward for becoming "Memory Masters." I'll post more details about this soon. Suffice it to say, it is a HUGE accomplishment. Below are some highlights of the fun day.

Ann Ferris and friend, Caroline, respond to the surprise gift.

Under the pavilion for the Memory Master award ceremony.

Ultimate Frisbee!

Sarah Wynn's gang.

Queen Ant

Have you ever seen a real Queen Ant? We all have heard about them and know that they exist. But few of us have ever seen one. However, today Schaeffer and Ann Ferris actually discovered in our backyard what we believe to be an elusive queen. She had dug a hole, which indicates that she is about to have her baby ants in order to begin a new colony. Since we are not big fans of ant mounds, it looks like it is time to say "good-bye" to Mrs. Queen Ant. This photo does not provide an accurate picture of just how big this "mama" is. She's about three times as big as the other black ants. Thus, we think she is the queen!

Preaching at Seven Hills and Trinity

This past Sunday I preached for Seven Hills Fellowship, a church plant in Rome, GA, a really cool, smallish college town with an outstanding downtown. They meet downtown in the Rome Little Theater, one of the most excellent sites for a plant that I have ever seen. The planter is Bryan Pierce. If you know anyone in the Rome area (or going to Berry or Shorter Colleges), send them the way of Seven Hills. Bryan's contact info is here. By the way, can you guess why they named the church Seven Hills?

The next two Sundays I'll be preaching for Trinity Church PCA in Alpharetta, GA (major Hotlanta suburb). FYI: John Hardie, former Senior Pastor for Independent Pres. in Memphis, has just been called as the church planter for Trinity.

Schaeffer Scores "Hat Trick"

In this past Saturday's soccer game, Schaeffer pulled a "Hat Trick" (which means he scored 3 goals in one game) while leading his team to a 3-2 victory. Afterward, we went with some friends (the Blounts) to The Mellow Mushroom for pizza (see picture below).

Sarah Wynn on American Idol (Home Edition)

Last night Sarah Wynn sang "Mighty to Save" on American Idol (Home Edition). All three (biased) judges were impressed, claiming that her performance was "brilliant." You judge for yourself. We think you'll agree.

Snake Handlin'

Being so close to the Appalachian Mountains, we've decided to make our ministry as culturally relevant as possible. Schaeffer is taking the lead by becoming a genuine, bonafide snake handler. Enjoy this 2-part home-documentary on Schaeffer and our Ring Snake, Prince (not to be confused with the snake formerly known as Prince).

Video Part 1


Video Part 2

Super Soakers

Even on a clear day you may get wet on the Caston homestead. With super-soakers in hand, Schaeffer and Ann Ferris are not afraid to pull the trigger. By the way, I was seriously nervous taking this picture. Those guns were loaded!

Sarah Wynn Enjoys the Fort

With the beautiful spring weather we've been having, it has been so much fun to be outside. Here Sarah Wynn poses for a photo on the top deck of the play fort/swing/slide. Watching her play is amazing. I just love a 4 year old's imagination. When do we lose that?

North Georgia College and State University

This is a view from the south side of North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, GA. Established in 1873, the school has a rich history as well as stunning natural beauty surrounding it. Due to the Hope Scholarship in Georgia, high school residents of Georgia who maintain a B average can attend a state college for free, including NGCSU. Not a bad place to hang out for 4 years... or 5. By the way, the dome on the central building is plated in pure gold, mined from this area in the 19th century. There is still a major gold vein that runs through this area, but only one mine is still operable (there used to be dozens!). The old courthouse (built in 1836) is in the center of the square and is now host to the Dahlonega Gold Museum, which chronicles the history of the mining industry in the area. Interestingly, I met a guy a few months ago who has panned several thousand dollars worth of gold from the creeks. Hmmm... might run by Wal-Mart this afternoon and pick up a pan. :0)

Gracie Turns Two

Our dog, Gracie, turns two around this time of year, although we are not sure of her exact birth date. You see, Gracie was an orphaned mutt (Lab mix) who was found by our children on the steps of the church in Greenwood during Vacation Bible School in early June of 2006. She was cute, but a mess (worms and everything)- so I resisted keeping her. But Ann Ferris had been praying for a dog and believed that Jesus had answered her prayer. I had no choice. We named her Gracie because we didn't have to keep her, but we did. Worms and all, our children loved her. So she got grace, and it became her name. There's an illustration there somewhere.

Cure for Depression

Ann Ferris has discovered the cure for depression. See the video below.

Soccer Update

Schaeffer played two games this past weekend. In the second game he scored his team's two goals for a 2-1 victory. He had one goal called back and a beautiful assist for a goal that was called back due to an offsides call. The first game was a defensive battle, and ended in a 0-0 tie. The picture to the left is of Sarah Wynn sporting her new shades and "warming up" on the playground before she heads to the sidelines to cheer for "Brother." :0)

Excursion and Picnic at Amicalola

Friday afternoon we took off for Amicalola Falls State Park (45 miles north of our house) for an excursion and picnic. Here are some highlights.

This picture was taken at the top of the falls (this time I cheated and drove us to the top- the hike is far too strenuous for Sarah Wynn... and too strenuous for me to carry her on my back!). Just beyond the wooden rail is the 729 foot drop (the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River). It is a beautiful overlook.

Ann Ferris spotted this snake (about 2 1/2 feet long) in the creek that feeds the falls, only about 15 feet from the drop. Obviously, this snake is not poisonous. But can you guess what kind it is?

On a felled tree over the creek.

The "big two" making a dam in the creek with rocks.

At the nature center, which has a fantastic display of live reptiles, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, king snakes, corn snakes and others. And yes, there are black bears in the mountains (as well as in the swamp in south Georgia).

Plan Your Vacation to the Mountains of North Georgia

This afternoon (after Kristy's "ladies lunch" with area church planter's wives) we are heading for an excursion and picnic to Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, one of the many mountain parks in our area. (I promised Schaeffer we'd go catch crawdads today, and so we're making a day of it.)

Anyway, if you are looking for a spring or summer (or fall) getaway, please consider the North Georgia mountains. We'd love to come visit you! Check out http://gastateparks.org/ (or just click here) for a list and description of the parks. Below I've highlighted some that are within easy driving distance of our house and have excellent lodges (in addition to RV and tent camping). I'll probably post pics from today's excursion tomorrow, but for a link to my latest visit to Amicalola (with some pictures), click here. Also, for link to the parks listed below, just click on the bold type.

This is Vogel State Park. We can't wait to visit in May when the mountain wildflowers are in peak bloom.

This is Unicoi State Park. I visited this park about six weeks ago. The hike around the lake is beautiful, with a small mountain stream feeding it. There is also a smaller pond with a trail to it which provides a very peaceful, easy hike. Of course, if you are looking for a more strenuous hike, each park offers multi-mile wilderness hiking (including sections of the Appalachian Trail).

Below is Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge (near the alpine village of Helen), which is home to Georgia's premier mountain trout stream, Dukes Creek. It also has miles of hiking and biking trails (as do most of the other parks), and hosts various hunts throughout the year. We were planning on going to Smithgall today, but a turkey hunt has most of the park closed to non-hunters. Also, I understand the lodge is particularly excellent, and is great for a "romantic" weekend getaway.

Fly-fishing on Dukes Creek at Smithgall Woods.

Below are scenes from Fort Mountain State Park.

Sunday Afternoon with Friends

This past Sunday afternoon we enjoyed lunch, music, a play, and lots of hang-time with our friends, the Hightowers. Vicky and Jay have 7 children: six girls, and the youngest, a boy (Sarah Wynn's buddy, Caleb). Here are the highlights...

Ann Ferris gets ready to ride the "Zip Line."

Jay leads us in singing worship songs. Back in the 70s he was the lead singer and guitarist for the rock band, Amethyst.

The "cast members" for the afternoon play.

Birthday Girl

Today is Kristy's birthday! She has already had breakfast in bed, a family serenade and gifts- and it is only 9:50 a.m. But she is worthy of so much more. To show our love and appreciation for such a world-class wife and mother, we're taking her out for brunch a little later and I have a special date planned for this evening. Another year... more wisdom, more beauty, more grace.

First Digital Picture

This picture was taken in December of 2001 (when we lived in Tupelo, MS), and is the first digital picture I ever took. It was taken using the self-portrait/timer function. Back then, Schaeffer had a thing about holding his nose for pictures! He was 3 and Ann Ferris was 5. Wow, who put life on warp speed? Somebody slow this thing down!

Monteagle Spring Trip, Part 3

Okay, here are the people pics from our Monteagle trip this week.

Here is the whole crew (minus Gracie) standing in front of The Blue Chair Bakery and Coffee Shop in Sewanee. The best oatmeal on the planet!

When Sarah Wynn saw Schaeffer out on this rock, she said, "Wow. That rock look's safe." This is because she had fallen in the creek earlier while walking on small stones. Reminded me of Psalm 40:2, "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."

Sarah Wynn. Rock hoppin' in the creek.

Sarah Wynn, Ann Ferris, Gracie, and Schaeffer on a bridge with the creek rippling below.

After enjoying the playground (in the background).

Kristy took this great pic of our resident animal/insect/bird/etc. lover, Schaeffer, looking at a butterfly. That's me in the background playing tennis with Ann Ferris.

Monteagle Spring Trip, Part 2

QUOTEABLE: On the drive back from Monteagle, Sarah Wynn began to get a bit queasy in the stomach, and feeling like she might throw up in the van, said to Kristy, "Hurry, Mommy! Give me the hand gel." This was a strange request, so Kristy asked, "Why, Sweetie?" Sarah Wynn replied, matter of factly, "So that I will not get sick."

The punch line explained: Before meals out or after activities in fun, germ infested places like the mall, Kristy will "pass around" the hand gel, so that we "will not get sick." Now you get it!

Source: Sept. 6, 2005 sciencedaily.com reported, "Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel significantly reduces the spread of gastrointestinal infections in the home." All you OCD fans out there are feeling pretty justified about now, aren't you? :0)

Monteagle Spring Trip, Part 1

We just got back from a 4 day, 3 night spring trip to Monteagle, TN, which was beginning to bloom with color. The mountain is particularly beautiful in the spring and fall. Here are a few highlights. I'll put the "people pictures" up tomorrow.

FYI: That is Sarah Wynn in the faded background walking by the creek. Eventually, she got in! But you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see that action. :0)